Difference between N/m^2 and N/m^-2

Thread starter elecone
Start date Jul 6, 2021
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Difference

In summary, N/m^2 and N/m^-2 both represent units of pressure, but the difference lies in the direction of the force. Both units can be used for pressure, but the choice depends on the direction of the force being applied. They can also be converted into each other by taking the inverse of the value. N/m^2 is the more commonly used unit in scientific calculations, but other units such as atm, psi, and bar can also be used and converted into N/m^2 or N/m^-2.

Jul 6, 2021

elecone

Homework Statement: My homework questions all state pressure as N/m^-2. what's the difference between N/m^2 and N/m^-2? Thanks

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Jul 6, 2021

haruspex

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elecone said:

Homework Statement:: My homework questions all state pressure as N/m^-2. what's the difference between N/m^2 and N/m^-2? Thanks

Pressure could be in units of ##N/m^2## or ##Nm^{-2}##. They're the same thing: "Newtons per square metre".
But not ##N/m^{-2}##, which would be the same as ##Nm^2##.

Jul 6, 2021

elecone

that's perfect, thanks

1. What is the difference between N/m^2 and N/m^-2?

N/m^2 and N/m^-2 are both units of pressure, but they represent different types of pressure. N/m^2, or newtons per square meter, is a unit of pressure called absolute pressure, which measures the total force exerted by a fluid or gas on a surface. N/m^-2, or newtons per square meter, is a unit of pressure called gauge pressure, which measures the difference between the total pressure and the atmospheric pressure.

2. Can N/m^2 and N/m^-2 be used interchangeably?

No, N/m^2 and N/m^-2 cannot be used interchangeably. They represent different types of pressure and have different numerical values. N/m^2 is always greater than N/m^-2, as it includes the atmospheric pressure in its measurement.

3. How are N/m^2 and N/m^-2 related?

N/m^2 and N/m^-2 are related by the atmospheric pressure. N/m^2 includes the atmospheric pressure in its measurement, while N/m^-2 does not. This means that N/m^2 is always higher than N/m^-2 by the value of the atmospheric pressure.

4. Which unit is more commonly used, N/m^2 or N/m^-2?

N/m^2 is more commonly used in scientific and engineering applications, as it provides a more accurate measurement of pressure. N/m^-2 is more commonly used in everyday situations, such as measuring tire pressure or air pressure in a balloon.

5. Can N/m^2 and N/m^-2 be converted into each other?

Yes, N/m^2 and N/m^-2 can be converted into each other by adding or subtracting the value of the atmospheric pressure. To convert N/m^2 to N/m^-2, subtract the atmospheric pressure from the N/m^2 value. To convert N/m^-2 to N/m^2, add the atmospheric pressure to the N/m^-2 value.